Vidas Cruzadas

by Danielle Steel

Sarah é a esposa ideal, Melanie uma jovem estrela de rock e Maggie uma freira empenhada nas suas causas e projetos. Sem nada em comum, cruzam-se num evento social no dia em que um violento tremor de terra arrasa São Francisco. Também nas suas vidas a destruição é geral: Sarah descobre as traições do marido, Melanie escapa por uns dias às garras da mãe, descobrindo que gostaria de ser enfermeira, e Maggie, a mais forte das três, terá de se confrontar com os seus próprios sentimentos de mulher apaixonada. Um poderoso romance sobre a vida, a esperança e o recomeço.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Chick Lit, Historical, Contemporary, War

376 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world's bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy's Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children's books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel

Reviews

[TAP]

He always said that he would play by my rules.

I can’t believe I finished this book and I can’t believe I didn’t hate it.

World War II is so close it can almost be tasted. And some people decide to taste each other in the midst of this hell.

I needed something deadening to read while I lay in bed before sleepy time. I’ve slowly read this over the last two months and it got the job done. This is my first read of the esteemed, i.e. widely-sold, Danielle Steel, and I’m only mildly embarrassed to say it might not be my last.

Sometimes you need lazy books that don’t make you think. I have to admit, though, that this did make me think. A little. But probably not in the way Steel intended. So, it’s not absolute trash like my pretentiously judge-a-book-by-its-readership mind led me to believe based on my assumptions about Steel. To her, I apologize. A little. By no means is this a work of high literature. It’s a distraction. And I give her props for doing what she does surprisingly well. Even if the plot is formulaic and unrealistic, Steel is a solid writer.

What I appreciate about this melodrama:
-crafty moral dilemmas
-a villainous woman you are supposed to (and do) hate, but who in actuality is the epitome of feminist vehemence
-questions of honor and is-it-worth-it
-some light gore
-big boats

[Suz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up after a heavy read An Untamed State, and this was an effective choice. It did follow the author's very normal tradjectory - two attractive and successful main leads who fall in love, enjoy some time together, pull apart for a reason (in this instance marriage - both - and war), maintain their love but decide they need to go back to their old lives, but meet up again. Hopefully!

This was a quick read, but still very very strictly keeping to her general formula, not entirely bothersome but very much there nonetheless.

Fans will like it I'm sure, and I'm happy it filled my gap for something light.

[Sol (unlibroparamii) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Como dije cuando comencé a releer esta historia, este fue el primer libro para "adultos" que leí siendo chica porque no teniendo nada que leer se lo saqué a mi mamá y a mí desde mi mirada casi adolescente me enamoró, viaje, sufrí, pase por todos los estados y después de éste obviamente no paré de sacarle libros y los leía intercalándolos con los que supuestamente si eran para mi edad, por lo tanto este libro casi que tiene un valor sentimental para mi y tengo que decir que después de tantos años de haberlo leído lo disfrute como la primera vez, me acordaba de todos los detalles y los dramas y los enamoramientos y todas las idas y vueltas, me encantó volver a leerlo.
No es un libro perfecto, y se sabe que esta autora tiene tantos amores como odios, pero a mi este libro me gusta, es una novela bien novela, con personajes buenos y casi perfectos y otros odiables, con amores espontáneos, encuentros, despedidas, y todo esto ambientado durante la segunda guerra mundial, el drama esta asegurado y el romance azucarado también.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This rating is totally based on the nostalgia factor that comes with re-reading this book 20 years later. Yes, it was schmaltzy, formulaic, and I definitely did not get any smarter reading it. However, it was a delightful guilty pleasure beach read and I now understand where I got most of my adolescent misperceptions that adulthood would be a glamorous time filled with Chanel suits, champagne, caviar, jewelry, mansions and romance.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic and riveting. I love the old Danielle Steel historicals and this one ranks one of my all time favorites. If there were an option to give more stars I'd rate it a ten. The historical facts of WW2 alone make this a must read. Combine it with a great storyline and that combination makes for one mighty good read.

[Camila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Primera vez que leo una novela histórica y definitivamente es un genero que disfruto mucho. Empece a leer este libro con la peor de las ondas. No se por que crei que Danielle Steel era una novelista cliche (capaz un poco lo es), pero me sorprendió lo que disfrute este libro . Estoy asombrada con la cantidad de emociones que me hizo sentir, hacia mucho que no lloraba leyendo. Emociones relacionadas al amor, ya sea a una persona, a la patria o a uno mismo. Una lectura muy linda y llevadera con un final que te deja feliz.

[S.J. Tyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Set in the time period at the beginning of World War II, Liane de Villiers is traveling by ship to France, where her diplomat husband, Armand, has been transferred. On the voyage, they meet and befriend another couple, steel magnate Nick Burnham and his wife Hillary. This sets in motion a budding relationship between Liane and Nick that causes long-term strife in both their lives. Their situation, occurring in the backdrop of a looming world war, was a fictional romance that definitely had a ring of truth to it.

Synopsis: At journey's end would a new life begin? When Liane crossed the Atlantic and arrived in Europe, the future seemed bright and beautiful. Only the image of a face haunted her new life in France. Then the Second World War sent her on a fateful crossing, leaving her husband far behind. Suspended between two worlds, Liane was swept into a passionate affair, a bright brief moment of total happiness. Would the voyage seal her love for ever, or leave her stranded on the shores of heartbreak and despair?

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gustó mucho esta novela, así que le di 4 estrellas porque está bien ambientada y tiene la información necesaria sobre la guerra, lo que conlleva que no se pierda interés en la historia y no se diluya lo medular de la novela que es el romance. No es cursi ni dulzona, tiene drama suficiente sin ser telecebolla. Este tipo de novela histórico románticas son las que me gusta leer.
Mi reseña completa en el siguiente link
http://perezosa69.blogspot.cl/2017/03...

[Peggy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good well told story. I liked the history and the facts about the war. I have been reading Danielle Steel books for a long time and I enjoy them just as much as when I started. Here to reading many more.

[Shellbell3584 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liane is remarkable! This book exhibits strength, loyalty, and how fate works itself out. It's a captivating story with just the right amount of romance... Great from cover to cover!

[Ashton Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a few issues with some aspects of the story but overall I really loved it. 4.5/5 for me. One of the better written DS books I've ever read.

[Macdiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

No sé por qué me gustan tanto los libros sobre la guerra, ya déjenme.

[Alex (Alex's Version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up.
WW2. France. San Francisco.
Good research .. i learned new facts.
Very dramatic. Disliked some of the language.
Could be edited to 300 pages….
Morality question.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a teenager and I remember really enjoying it. I didn't write my books down back then [foolish foolish girl] so I have no idea of a date. I do know that I read it more than once.

[Pearl Pridham · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beginnings of Change
A snapshot of lives and changes with the onset of World War II, this story begins in 1939 in Washington DC. Liane is married to Armand, an older French Ambassador whose first wife passed away. They love each other deeply, and have two young daughters.

Armand is transferred back to Paris, and the family accompanies him. Liane meets Nick, owner of Burnham Steel, and his wife and son, while crossing the Atlantic on a luxury ship. His son befriends her daughters, and Nick and Liane keep each other company. Armand has work to do even on the ship, and Nick’s unfaithful wife goes off partying with new friends.

Peace for Now
In 1939 people wonder whether the war might impact France. For the time being, at least in Paris, there is still peace. For those in high society, dinners and dances and other social activities continue on as before. Armand works long hours and shares less and less about it with Liane. She is lonely, but doesn’t complain.

When Armand sees that the war is coming to France, he wants to send Liane and the girls back to the States, but Liane insists on staying and supporting him. Although he’s busy working long days and no longer shares anything about it with her, at least he comes home for a few hours at night.

The Last Freighter Home
Nick’s wife and son return to the States, where she is involved with another man. Liane has not seen Nick, but finally, when Armand puts her and the girls on the last freighter bound for home, there’s Nick again, on the same boat. Together they work to save the lives of hundreds of men from a ship that was bombed. And find themselves irresistibly attracted to one another.

What will they do? Both are dedicated to their spouses and children, even though Nick’s marriage is hopeless and Liane’s husband is immersed in his work. She cannot tell anyone that s a Armand is a double agent, and he cannot share anything much about it to her.

Back in Washington DC, Armand is seen as a traitor by their former friends. Liane and her daughters move to San Francisco to live with her uncle.

Nick tries unsuccessfully to get his wife and son back. Life is depressing and frustrating for him. Eventually he re-enlists in the navy. Before I give away any more spoilers, I’ll stop here.

A snapshot of lives and changes during the onset of WW II, this historical fiction shows the heart-wrenching struggles that some families faced.

Writing Style
Written forty years ago, Danielle Steel used an older form of narration. Currently most novels are written from the “Point of View” of one character at a time in each scene. But this story is written from an “Omniscient” POV. The author sees through the eyes of several characters in each scene. As an older person myself, I grew up reading books in this style and I don’t mind it. When I started writing a novel myself seven years ago, I had to unlearn this writing style. But there is much I still learn from her writing, such as how to include emotional tension, and the amount of work she must have put into research.

Thank you to my son for picking up this book for me from a Little Lending Library, which Nanaimo has many of around town. You can put your used books there for someone else, and find some for yourself to read.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I was surprised about how fast paced a book could be. During the first chapters too many things happened making it difficult to get into Liane and Armand's love story. That age gap was moreover too much. Armand felt more like a father than a lover. Later on we were introduced to another married couple, Hillary, a big ass bitch, I literally could not stand her, and Nick, who honestly, I couldn't get to like either, he was kind of aggressive and had no high moral values.

This book was, in my opinion, intriguing because of two things: the fight over Johnny's custody, and Armand's fight in France.

I have to, sadly, report that I cannot and will not accept infidelity and therefore could not enjoy Liane and Nick's relationship. I was shocked at what they did in the 'Deauville', and that they had the audacity to get together again in San Francisco.
I guess Steel felt the pressure to kill Armand which was so sad. And even though I get Liane's pain and all the efforts she did to get through so much pain, the ending was hollow for me.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good WWII romance. I prefer a well written historical fiction with an upbeat, strong female lead during that period. This novel was set in that period and favorite Danielle Steel novel...of course if you have read one of hers, you have read them all...someone in a bookclub said that years ago and I found it to be true. It was a vacation book, but I remember I really enjoyed it. I like the part of the older husband trying to save art during the war. This is one of those novels that, even though the book may not stay with you, bits and pieces from it form a vision that stays with you forever...

[Rima Ch. · Rating 3 out of 5]

its not what u expect of danielle steel... this books ending is just BORING; way tooo expected

[Christina Cuanalo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is full of people making bad decisions and wasting time. It was mildly entertaining. More drama then hot romance.

[Greetje Raftopoulou-heuving · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice light read for the summer.

[Sandy Hurtado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo unico que critico fue el final. Falto unas hojas mas para cerrar todas las historias.

[Socrate · Rating 3 out of 5]

După nouă ani de căsătorie şi mai mulţi ani de separare conjugală, Steel şi Lazard au divorţat. În 1972 a fost publicat primul ei roman ― Going Home. Romanul conţinea multe dintre temele pentru care creatia ei literara va deveni cunoscută, cu accent inclusiv pe aspectele legate de familie şi relaţiile umane.

Cât încă era căsătorită cu Lazard, în timp ce intervieva un deţinut într-o închisoare lângă Lompoc ― California, Steel l-a întâlnit pe Danny Zugelder, care era de asemenea încarcerat acolo. Acesta sa mutat cu Steel când a fost eliberat condiţionat în iunie 1973, dar a revenit la închisoare la începutul anului 1974 pentru jaf şi viol. După ce a primit divortului de Lazard în 1975, ea s-a căsătorit cu Zugelder în cantina închisorii unde acesta era încarcerat. Au divorţat în 1978, dar in urma acestei relaţii au apărut cele două romane care au lansat cariera ei de success: Passion’s Promise and Now and Forever.

Steel s-a căsătorit cu al treilea ei soţ, William Toth, a doua zi după ce divorţul de Zugelder a fost finalizat. Ea era deja însărcinata în 8 luni şi jumătate cu copilul său, Nicolas. Odată cu succesul celei de-a patra ei carţi, The promise, Steel a devenit o prezenta permanenta în înalta societate din San Francisco, în timp ce Toth, un dependent de droguri, a fost lăsat pe dinafară. Ei au divortat in martie 1981.

Steel s-a căsătorit pentru a patra oară în 1981, cu viticultorul John Traina. Traina a adoptat, ulterior, pe Nick, fiul lui Steel, dându-I numele lui de familie. Împreună au avut incă cinci copii, Samantha (14 aprilie 1982), Victoria (5 septembrie 1983), Vanessa (18 decembrie, 1984), Max (10 februarie 1986) şi Zara (26 septembrie, 1987).

Ca o coincidenţă, începând cu căsătoria ei cu Traina în 1981, Steel a fost o prezenţa aproape permanentă pe listele New York Times Bestseller cu bestseller-uri atât în ediţie hardcover cât şi paperback[3]. În 1989, ea a fost listată în Guinness Book of World Records având o carte prezentă pe lista New York Times Bestseller pentru cele mai multe săptămâni consecutive ale unui autor, şi anume 381 la acel moment. De la prima ei carte publicată, fiecare dintre romanele ei a fost în vârful listelor de bestseller atât în ediţie paperback cât şi hardback.

Hotărâtă să-şi petreacă timpul cât mai mult posibil cu copiii ei, de multe ori Steel a scris noaptea, cu doar patru ore de somn pe noapte, pentru a putea fi cu copiii ei în timpul zilei.

Steel este un autor prolific, de multe ori terminând mai multe cărţi pe an. Fiecare carte durează 2 ani şi jumătate pentru a fi finalizată, astfel că Steel şi-a dezvoltat capacitatea de a jongla cu până la cinci proiecte dintr-o dată, făcând cercetare pentru o carte în timp ce verifica sau scria şi edita altele.

[flor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es la primera vez que leo a Danielle Steel y esta historia me dejó sin palabras.
Había escuchado opiniones divididas: algunos la aman, otros no la consideran una gran escritora. Pero a juzgar por Vidas cruzadas, puedo decir con certeza que tiene muchísimo talento. Tal vez me anime a leer alguna de sus otras obras.

Empecé esta novela como una simple distracción, sin expectativas… y terminé completamente atrapada. Es también la primera vez que leo una historia ambientada en un contexto tan complejo como la Segunda Guerra Mundial, y siento que, pese a la dificultad, estuvo muy bien logrado. Al principio pensé que no podría terminarlo, pero conforme avanzaba, la historia individual de cada personaje me fue envolviendo cada vez más.

Es una historia de amor algo cliché, sí, pero completa en todo sentido: complicada, intensa, que te mantiene a la expectativa y, por momentos, te lleva a replantearte tus propios ideales.

Te hace pensar en el amor a la patria, en qué punto ese amor se vuelve una carga… y hasta cuándo es correcto seguir soportando.

El personaje de Hillary me pareció maravilloso y odioso en partes iguales. Una villana muy bien construida, porque en realidad encarna todo lo que una mujer que debería haber sido libre de tomar sus propias decisiones no pudo lograr.

Estoy impresionada. Voy a recordar a Nick y Liane por mucho tiempo. Qué historia tan complicadamente preciosa.

“Los fuertes jamás serán derrotados.”

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book interesting. It’s a very slow read and I found it difficult to get through certain sections such as the ones written in French. This story follows the lives of Liane and her husband Armand and their two daughters. And then the lives of Nick and his wife Hillary and their son. Very different families!!! The time area takes place during Hitlers reign and when woman were expected to stay home and raise the family while the man worked. Married woman were not to be alone with another man other then her husband. Divorce was frowned upon. Liane and Armand love each other and their daughters. Armand works for the French government and moves himself and his family to France but then war breaks out and Hitler is on the rise. Nick loves his son but wants a divorce from his cheating floundering wife but can’t because he is afraid of losing his son to his wife in custody. These two families meet on a ship and a friendship is formed between Liane and Nick. Throughout the story Liane and Nick find themselves in each other’s company often and so feelings form but not just friendship feelings. Liane leans on Nick for companionship and Nick leans on Liane for emotional support. Just when you think you know what’s gonna happen a curve ball is thrown!! Must read till the end!!

[Agustina Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

Al principio el título me llevó a pensar en una cosa: swingers (lo cual hubiera estado bueno eh). Pero después entendí esto de las vidas "cruzadas". Las decisiones que la tipa esta Liane tiene que tomar son bastante controversiales, eso me gustó. Aunque siempre teniendo en cuenta el contexto hiper privilegiado en el que está, no?
También me gustó la complejidad de algunos personajes. Hillary por ejemplo, cuando explica un poco su postura como mínimo, me hizo dudar de mi odio hacia ella.
Con respecto a cómo está escrito: me sentí un poco subestimada por la autora. No sé si será un tema de traducción pero me pareció que se sobre explicaban hechos. La autora te recordaba todo el tiempo: te acordás que Nick dijo esto? jeje. YA SE, LO VENGO LEYENDO, NO SOY BOLUDA.
Emocionalmente me llegó mucho todo el tema de la guerra, los heridos, los barcos hundidos. La parte más emocionante para mí: el Deuvil (así lo pronunciaba yo en mi cabeza).
Algo gracioso: muchas veces leía las partes en francés o los nombres de los barcos/cuidades como: asabjdfkl. No podía evitarlo.
Nos dió romance, nos dió dilemas morales, nos dió sexo, nos dió MODA (la descripción de los vestidos ulalá).
Empecé a leer la historia porque es la novela favorita de mi abuela ❤️ y no me decepcionó. Gracias abuela.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young woman who finds love with an older man after she cared for his first wife. They have a family together and are happy but as a diplomat for France, he moves his family there until Germany is set to invade the country and it is too dangerous for them to stay. The woman has met another married man on the ship traveling to France and overhears his troubles with his wife but is unwilling to divorce her and lose his beloved son. When France heats up with war concerns, the man and woman meet again on a ship returning to the US. They work together in rescuing people from a ship that was bombed by the Germans and they are thrown together and realize they love each other. The woman decides to remain true to her husband until the end when she learns he loved his country and ultimately gave his life working as a double agent. The man meanwhile loses his son and his first wife divorces him and greedily only wants the son to collect child support money. The man decides to reenlist after Japan attacks Hawaii and needs to get his mind off losing his son. Somehow, the man and woman find each other after surviving the atrocities of war.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow.. what a story - it was a great insight into the beginning of WW2 and the rise of Nazis in relation to France through the eyes and hearts of our principal characters in this novel. Liane of Crockett Shipping, a beautiful young mature girl who fell in love with an older man, Armand de Villiers, the French Ambassador to the United States and how their lives crossed with Nicholas of Burnham Steel and his young family! In true Danielle Steel fashion there definitely has to be romance, conflict of mind, heart and duty; and in this instance in the background of war atrocities of the most terrible kind. Honestly, I really don't want to say anything more, except if I have already read this a long time ago, I am glad that I have read it again - if only to imagine what it would have been like for personal family past generations that experience the likes of this scenario in Europe, Britain, Asia and America!

[Sussy_lwp · Rating 3 out of 5]

🙋🏻‍♀️📲🔊 Audiolibro 
Un libro más para  la iniciativa de Neus @sinlibrosnosoynada
💜💕*** NOVIEMBRE DULCE ***💞

3,5☆ En general me ha encantado volver a mis inicios, por allá en mi juventud leía mucho a esta autora y su estilo me gustaba mucho.

🥺🥺 Veamos¡ yo sabia que con esta historia iba a sufrir y que sería muy predesible, pero sólo se cumplió lo 1ro, aunque siguió algunos camino, dio unos giros que no esperaba y me sorprendió, sobre todo con el personaje de Nick, un hombre con mucho poder y dinero pero onesto y sincero, muy centrado y más por todo lo que tuvo que pasar con su hijo y la guerra.

Spoiler
Le he dado muchas vueltas para la trama ¿de verdad? era necesario que Hilarry fuera una @$*#, su personaje es el cliché de mujer joven, rica y florero de los 30', y creo que NO, había más de una forma... y es por qué si ya de por sí los tercios, son malos, cuatro son multitud.

[Dawn T · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Danielle Steel reads go, quite engrossing. This novel hits the all the sweeping, epic and saga descriptives as it gives us a well researched and ultimately escapist yarn into World War II. It follows Steel’s usual formulaic romance regardless of which historic or contemporary setting she puts us in, and her heroine Liane de Villiers really doesn’t differ much from any of her others (nor do the romantic leading men Armand and Nick for that matter), but this story of an ambassador’s wife and magnate’s lover is one of her better ones. For about two days it kept me steadily turning pages, all of which I enjoyed even when I rolled my eyes once or twice. Everyone as usual is beautiful, richer than God, but oh so noble.
No complaints.